Prison Reform Trust

Reading for rehabilitation, A thematic review by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, January 2026.

Today we have published 'Reading for rehabilitation', which shows how a vibrant prison reading culture can support prisoners’ rehabilitation.

Read the report: hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...

And press release: hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/strong-...

It is shocking that a prison tasked with the care and rehabilitation of men serving some of the longest sentences on the estate has been allowed to descend to such an appalling level.

Read our full response to the Urgent Notification at prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-comment-...

Just one week to go!

Join us for an evening of choral music, carols, and guest speakers, followed by a glass of wine and a mince pie. A chance for PRT friends and supporters to gather, celebrate and reflect on our shared goals for prison reform.

🎟️ prisonreformtrust2.beaconforms.com/form/f7e01cdc

A felt-tip drawing of a group of five children in a line holding hands

Find out more about our work to develop Child Impact Assessments, which ensure that children who are impacted by a family member's incarceration feel listened to and included in decision-making about their needs and support prisonreformtrust.org.uk/project/wome...

A call to action right here, right now! | Prison Reform Trust

Today is #WorldChildrensDay. This year's theme is “my day, my rights", echoing our call for children with a close family member in contact with the justice system to get the support they need Right here, right now!

prisonreformtrust.org.uk/a-call-to-ac...

A felt-tip drawing of five children in a line holding hands.

Find out more about our work to develop Child Impact Assessments, which ensure that children who are impacted by a family member's incarceration feel listened to and included in decision-making about their needs and support
prisonreformtrust.org.uk/project/wome...

An illustration of three Christmas trees, with details of the Prison Reform Trust carol concert beneath. Full details read "Thursday 11th of December, 7:00pm–8:30pm. St George's Church, Hanover Square, London, W1S 1FX

Join us for an evening of choral music, carols, and guest speakers, followed by a glass of wine and a mince pie. A chance for PRT friends and supporters to gather, celebrate and reflect on our shared goals for prison reform

Book your tickets here: prisonreformtrust2.beaconforms.com/form/f7e01cdc

Building Futures showcase: voices of leadership and hope from inside | Prison Reform Trust

Last week, we were proud to host the Building Futures showcase @manchester.ac.uk — a powerful celebration of the achievements, learning, and impact of the Building Futures programme.

Read more at prisonreformtrust.org.uk/building-fut...

We’ve signed a joint letter calling on the Government to remove the courts’ power to remand people “for their own protection.”

This harmful practice places vulnerable individuals—especially women and children—in custody when they need care.

Prison Reform Trust responds to Law Commission’s homicide law review | Prison Reform Trust PRT supports homicide law reform and a three-tier model, but urges safeguards to prevent unintended outcomes and ensure fair sentencing.

The Prison Reform Trust has submitted evidence to the Law Commission’s review of homicide law. We support the proposed three-tier model as a step toward more proportionate sentencing—but call for safeguards to avoid unintended consequences.

prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prison-refor...

The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament or the House of Commons on the 20th of November 2024 in London, United Kingdom. It is the meeting place of the governments of the United Kingdom and is on the bank of the river Thames in London. (Photo by Andy Aitchison)

Our latest briefing on the Sentencing Bill highlights critical reforms to address the prison capacity crisis. ​While some measures are welcome, concerns remain about earned release, recall, and punitive licence conditions.
Read the full briefing here: prisonreformtrust.org.uk/wp-content/u...

An illustration of three Christmas trees, with details of the Prison Reform Trust carol concert beneath. Full details read "Thursday 11th of December, 7:00pm–8:30pm. St George's Church, Hanover Square, London, W1S 1FX

Join us for an evening of choral music, carols, and guest speakers, followed by a glass of wine and a mince pie. A chance for PRT friends and supporters to gather, celebrate and reflect on our shared goals for prison reform

Book your tickets here: prisonreformtrust2.beaconforms.com/form/f7e01cdc

Building Futures - Prison Reform Trust Conference 2025 Thinking Long-Term: Insights on Collaborating with Those Impacted by Long-Term Imprisonment to Shape Policies That Affect Them

Join us for Building Futures – a full-day event exploring long-term imprisonment, hosted by @prtuk.bsky.social & @criminologyuom.bsky.social. Hear lived experiences, watch the Rye Hill Parole Film & shape future reform.

📅 5 Nov | 🕘 9am–5pm

🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk...

#PrisonReform #UoM

Simon Wins Hope and Fulfilment Award for Helping Others Through Yoga in Prison Simon, mentored by The Prison Phoenix Trust, has been recognised in the Prison Reform Trust’s Hope and Fulfilment Awards for bringing yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness to others in prison. His story…

🙏 Congratulations to Simon, winner of a @prtuk.bsky.social Hope & Fulfilment Award!
Supported by The Prison Phoenix Trust, Simon inspires others in prison through yoga, breathwork & compassion.
🌿 Read his story: www.theppt.org.uk/2025/11/04/s...
#PrisonReform #YogaInPrison

PRT hosts awards celebrating the achievements of prisoners | Prison Reform Trust

Find out more about the award, this year's winners and commendees, as well as exclusive coverage by Ben Leapman in Inside Time.

prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-hosts-aw...

The award, run by the Prison Reform Trust and generously supported by Lady Edwina Grosvenor & The Wilmington Trust, is a national scheme designed to recognise, reward and celebrate the achievements, talent, and initiative of people in prison.

Pia Sinha, chief executive officer of the Prison Reform Trust, speaking at the Hope and Fulfilment Awards 2025

The Prison Reform Trust was delighted to host an event celebrating the achievements of the winners and commendees of its inaugural Hope and Fulfilment awards.

prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-hosts-aw...

A really important analysis of the significant challenges facing the government in turning our ailing criminal justice system around.

🔴 Prisons report — www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
🔴 Overview report — www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...

The pathway through a very long-term sentence in a Scottish prison PRT Building Futures report on the experiences of serving a long prison sentence in Scotland

The pathway through a very long-term sentence in a Scottish prison
@prtuk.bsky.social Building Futures report on the experiences of serving a long prison sentence in Scotland
www.russellwebster.com/the-pathway-...

A deficit in trust and lengthy delays in sentence progression are leaving long-term prisoners in Scotland without hope | Prison Reform Trust Report calls for fairer, more accountable sentence progression that supports personal development and timely release for long-term prisoners in Scotland

Read the full report at prisonreformtrust.org.uk/a-deficit-in...

The report highlights the importance of fostering hope by providing prisoners with clear timelines, consistent access to rehabilitative activities, and opportunities to plan for the future.

Many prisoners reported that they struggle to maintain family relationships, as they cannot explain why their progression has stalled. To loved ones, it can appear as though they are not making enough effort, when in reality, systemic barriers and waiting lists are often to blame.

One prisoner, who contributed to the report said:

"I've seen guys with a tariff of less than two years still here more than 15 years later – that is terrifying, it diminishes your hope completely, what hope have I got?"

The report, developed through a prisoner-led consultation at HMP Glenochil, reveals systemic delays, poor communication, and a lack of transparency in the sentence progression process—leaving many feeling forgotten and hopeless.

A deficit in trust and lengthy delays in sentence progression are leaving long-term prisoners in Scotland without hope | Prison Reform Trust Report calls for fairer, more accountable sentence progression that supports personal development and timely release for long-term prisoners in Scotland

Our new report out today, calls for fairer, more accountable sentence progression that supports personal development and timely release for long-term prisoners in Scotland.

prisonreformtrust.org.uk/a-deficit-in...

PRT briefing on the Sentencing Bill | Prison Reform Trust Read our briefing on the Sentencing Bill, outlining key reforms, concerns, and the action needed to reduce prison overcrowding

With prisons at breaking point, the Sentencing Bill is a vital chance to cut ineffective short sentences and invest in community solutions. Our latest briefing sets out what’s good, what’s concerning, and what’s missing: prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-briefing...

PRT comment: David Lammy appointed as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice | Prison Reform Trust David Lammy’s appointment comes at a critical moment, as the Sentencing Bill begins its journey through Parliament

David Lammy's appointment as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice comes at a critical moment for reform. Read our full response in the link below.
prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-comment-...

Acutely mentally unwell women face delayed psychiatric treatment at HMP Downview, a new report from the IMB reveals.

Read the full report below ⬇️

imb.org.uk/news/acutely...

PRT comment: Publication of the Sentencing Bill | Prison Reform Trust The Sentencing Bill offers a path to lasting reform — if its supported with the necessary resources to suceed.

Today sees the long awaited publication of the Sentencing Bill. It offers an opportunity to begin to restore our justice system to a more proportionate, sustainable, and effective footing.
Read our full response in the link below.
prisonreformtrust.org.uk/prt-comment-...

Barriers to reintegration faced by people released from long prison sentences Prison Reform Trust highlights the need for enhanced support and policy reform for people released from long-term prison sentences.

Barriers to reintegration faced by people released from long prison sentences
@prtuk.bsky.social highlights the need for enhanced support and policy reform for people released from long-term prison sentences.
www.russellwebster.com/barriers-to-...